Italy Weather: African Anticyclone Ends, Rain & Snow Forecast March 8-11

Italy Braces for Shift in Weather Patterns: From African Anticyclone to Rain and Potential Snow

Italy is poised for a significant change in weather conditions, moving from a prolonged period of high pressure dominated by an African anticyclone to a return of unsettled weather with widespread rainfall and the possibility of snow, according to the latest forecasts.

Meteorologist Mario Giuliacci outlined a two-phase weather pattern. The first phase, characterized by the enduring presence of the African anticyclone, is expected to last until approximately March 6th or 7th. Giuliacci explained that the anticyclone’s core is currently moving across Tunisia and will subsequently shift over Libya. While warmer currents will reach Italy, this doesn’t guarantee clear skies nationwide. In fact, he noted that sunshine will be largely confined to the Alps, with other areas experiencing either fog or overcast conditions.

The Alps will remain the only consistently bright region, while much of the rest of the country will be subject to low clouds and localized drizzle, particularly along the coasts. A brief respite from the high pressure is anticipated between March 1st and 2nd, with “an Atlantic disturbance bringing rain to Northern Italy,” before the anticyclone reasserts its dominance until around March 6th-7th.

The second phase, beginning around Sunday, March 8th, marks a dramatic shift. “The rainy phase returns,” Giuliacci stated, predicting abundant precipitation in Central and Southern Italy, with lighter rainfall expected in the North. A key element of this change is the potential for snowfall. “Snowfall is possible between March 9th and 11th on the Alps and the central-northern Apennines, at medium to high altitudes,” with an estimated probability of 30 to 50 percent. This means that snowfall could also affect the Apennine mountains, particularly in the central-northern sectors. Simultaneously, a general decrease in temperatures is forecast across the entire Italian peninsula.

The forecast suggests a notable change from the relatively mild conditions associated with the African anticyclone. While temperatures in Italy during March are generally cool, ranging from 9°C to 15°C, the arrival of the new weather system will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures and increase the likelihood of precipitation in various forms.

According to weather forecasts for March 2026, Italy can expect approximately 3 to 8 days of rain throughout the month, with 85 mm of rainfall anticipated. The average number of sunny hours is projected to be around 10.6 per day.

The shift in weather patterns comes after an autumn characterized by atmospheric conditions dominated by high pressure, and signals a return to more typical winter conditions for Italy. The potential for snowfall in the Apennines, even at medium to high altitudes, is a significant development, and will be closely monitored as the forecast period approaches.